Acknowledgement of Country
Sutherland Shire Council acknowledges the Dharawal speaking people, traditional custodians of the land, and pays respect to elders past and present. Council extends this respect to all Aboriginal people living in or visiting Sutherland Shire.
Reconciliation Statement
The original inhabitants of the Sutherland Shire came from the Dharawal and Gandangara peoples. They lived in the area for thousands of years prior to the arrival of Europeans and continue to hold a deep attachment to many places within the Shire. Rock engravings, middens and other sites that provide evidence of Aboriginal occupation and spirituality also exist throughout the Shire, including within National Parks, waterways and on what is now private property.
The Sutherland Shire is unique, in terms of Australian history, as Kurnell was the location of the first recorded contact point between Aboriginal people and English colonisers.
Sutherland Shire Council acknowledges that alienation from traditional lands following European settlement had a devastating impact on Aboriginal people and their way of life. These lands provided food, clothing and shelter and remain spiritually and culturally significant to Aboriginal people today.
Sutherland Shire Council also recognises that the impacts of colonisation continue for many Aboriginal people. As well as adopting the Local Government and Shires Associations’ "Statement of Commitment", and as a mark of respect to our local Aboriginal Community Sutherland Shire Council is sorry for the negative impacts that European settlement has had on Aboriginal people and their way of life.
For more information or Council's full Reconciliation Statement, phone: 9710 0333.
Aboriginal Advisory Sub Committee
Council convenes the Sutherland Shire Aboriginal Advisory Sub Committee. The current Committee Chair is Deanna Shrieber. The committee meets quarterly.
Charter and Committee information
Partnership
Council has a strong partnership with Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation to create understanding and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Sutherland Shire.
In seeking specialist advice from local Elders, our first point of contact is the La Perouse and Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week is held annually in July.
Training and education
Education and Training Workshops on Aboriginal Culture are run locally. Please contact Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation for further details. Ph: 9528 0287.
Southern Sydney Koori Interagency
Kurranulla convenes the Koori Interagency held monthly at Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month and are by invitation only.
Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation produces a regular newsletter 'Gnarra Gossip' which includes services for Aboriginal people. Ph: 9528 0287.
Shire Family Services provides support and assist to Aboriginal women, children and families who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. Ph: 9528 2933
Local Services and Groups
Women's Health Nurse
HealthOne, Sutherland Hospital
Ph: 9540 8181
Narrangy-Booris
Aboriginal Early Childhood and Midwifery Service
Menai Community Health Centre
Ph: 9543 1111
Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer
Sutherland Hospital / Caringbah Community Health
Ph: 9522 1000
Kirinari Aboriginal Hostel
340 Box Rd, Sylvania
Ph: 9522 8958
Search for services in the Sutherland Shire Community Directory
Information on local services and groups.
Youth Services Card
Burraneer Mural
In September 2017, Indigenous students from Endeavour Sports High School, with their art teacher Rick O'Brien created a mural that acknowledges and celebrates the Indigenous heritage of Burraneer Point, on the northern side of Port Hacking. The figures in the mural represent actual rock engravings that exist (or once existed) on Burraneer Point. Mr Bruce Howell, member of SSC Aboriginal Advisory Committee, put together a flyer which details the history of the engravings and the background to the artwork.
Rutherford-Reserve-Flyer.pdf
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